Pastor's Reflection 2025-09-25
"They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper." — Psalm 1:3
On September 28th Wesley will celebrate its 130th Anniversary. As I write these words, we are still anticipating that milestone, but my heart is already full of gratitude for the generations of faith that have brought us this far. In addition, reaching 130 years naturally makes me think of the changing of seasons, and how October’s arrival mirrors the rhythm of the church’s life.
Fall is the time when the trees shed their leaves, leaving branches bare and quiet. At first glance, the season can seem like decline, even death. But for those of us who know the cycle of seasons, we understand that autumn is not an ending, it is a time of rest, renewal, and preparation for new growth.
Our church, a historically Japanese American congregation, has walked through its own Fall seasons. In 1942, 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry from the West Coast were illegally forced into American concentration camps. Members of Wesley were among those who lost their homes, property, and freedom. For a time, the doors of this church stood closed, the sanctuary quiet and barren. Yet, like the tree in Psalm 1, whose roots held firm even when its leaves fell, Wesley Church endured. Our survival was a testimony of faith, dignity, and perseverance. We declared to the world that Wesley Church was a house of God that could withstand even the harshest of seasons.
Now, 130 years since our founding, we are living proof of that Psalm. Wesley is a tree planted by streams of God’s living water; sometimes battered, sometimes weary, but always drawing strength from the Source that sustains us.
As we look ahead, we will enter into a six-month process of Strategic Planning. Guided by Rev. Sam Yun, a United Methodist pastor and consultant, this journey will help us discern where God is leading in the next chapter of Wesley’s life. This will not be the work of a few, but of the whole church. Every voice, every prayer, every dream matters. Together, we will listen deeply, dream boldly, and trust that God is preparing us to bear fruit in new and exciting ways.
As we enter this new season, may we remember that fall is not the end, but the necessary space that makes room for new growth. Wesley Church has endured through one of history’s harshest and most unjust winters. With gratitude for the past and hope for the future, we mark 130 years of ministry and we trust that God will bring forth new fruit in us, in a new season, once again.
Grace and peace,
Rev. John
Fall is the time when the trees shed their leaves, leaving branches bare and quiet. At first glance, the season can seem like decline, even death. But for those of us who know the cycle of seasons, we understand that autumn is not an ending, it is a time of rest, renewal, and preparation for new growth.
Our church, a historically Japanese American congregation, has walked through its own Fall seasons. In 1942, 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry from the West Coast were illegally forced into American concentration camps. Members of Wesley were among those who lost their homes, property, and freedom. For a time, the doors of this church stood closed, the sanctuary quiet and barren. Yet, like the tree in Psalm 1, whose roots held firm even when its leaves fell, Wesley Church endured. Our survival was a testimony of faith, dignity, and perseverance. We declared to the world that Wesley Church was a house of God that could withstand even the harshest of seasons.
Now, 130 years since our founding, we are living proof of that Psalm. Wesley is a tree planted by streams of God’s living water; sometimes battered, sometimes weary, but always drawing strength from the Source that sustains us.
As we look ahead, we will enter into a six-month process of Strategic Planning. Guided by Rev. Sam Yun, a United Methodist pastor and consultant, this journey will help us discern where God is leading in the next chapter of Wesley’s life. This will not be the work of a few, but of the whole church. Every voice, every prayer, every dream matters. Together, we will listen deeply, dream boldly, and trust that God is preparing us to bear fruit in new and exciting ways.
As we enter this new season, may we remember that fall is not the end, but the necessary space that makes room for new growth. Wesley Church has endured through one of history’s harshest and most unjust winters. With gratitude for the past and hope for the future, we mark 130 years of ministry and we trust that God will bring forth new fruit in us, in a new season, once again.
Grace and peace,
Rev. John
Posted in Newsletter 2025-09-25